Meridian's 810 Reference Video Projector and Video Scaler in action.

U.K.-based Meridian Audio specializes in manufacturing super-premium (read: expensive) home theater components, and the company recently held a private demonstration at Dolby Labs in San Francisco to introduce its new flagship front projection system: the Meridian 810 Reference Video System.

Dubbed the "most realistic digital video projection system in the world", the 810 Reference Video System comprises two main components: the 9.8-million-pixel 810 Reference Video Projector (above) and the 810 Reference Video Scaler (more pics after the jump). The 810 Video Projector utilizes a trio of JVC's cutting edge 4,096 by 2,400 pixel D-ILA chips (similar to LCOS technology) for independent processing of the red, blue, and green channels.

Motorized 2.35:1 Cinemascope Lens

According to the provided specs, the projector's PKI Xenon lamp can deliver up to 4,000 lumens, which should provide adequate light output with even the largest screen sizes. And the company is claiming a native contrast performance of 10,000:1-- the assortment of HD clips shown during the presentation on a 16-foot to 25-foot variable-width screen appeared to exhibit excellent image contrast with inky dark blacks, smooth gradients, and excellent peak bright detail. Meridian also highlighted the detailed factory calibration performed on each projector, whereby groups of 4 pixels are evaluated at a time over a 4 day period, resulting in a claimed 0.3% variance across the entire picture and from unit to unit.

Considering that no 10 megapixel (2,400p?) consumer video sources yet exist, an effective video processor is needed to generate the remaining 8 to 9 million pixels needed when converting standard and high-definition sources for display on the 810 Video Projector; a Blu-ray movie, for example, can produce up to 2-megapixel imagery. Meridian's 810 Reference Video Scaler is based on Marvell's proven Qdeo processing technology that was featured in the LG BH200 Super Blu combo player.

The Meridian 810 Reference Video System will be available with one of four lens packages that are optimized for various installation scenarios. We were partial to the special motorized 2.35:1 Cinemascope lens that takes full advantage of the projector's resolution when displaying widescreen formatted video material. Expected to ship in limited quantities by the end of Q3, 2008, the Meridian 810 Reference Video System can be yours for $185,000 (installation not included).

Post by Robert Heron

Meridian's 810 Reference Video Projector

Meridian's 810 Reference Video Scaler